Associate Director, Business & Community Outreach

Position Summary: The Associate Director of Business and Community Outreach (BCO), within CMU’s Innovation and Online unit (CMU IO), will be responsible for maintaining a portfolio of existing partners and continuously sourcing new partners that will lead to strategic partnerships focused on educational advancement of individuals and workforce development for organizations. Working within the assigned region of Southwest Michigan, the Associate Director will be based out of Central Michigan University’s site in Grand Rapids, MI and will serve as the primary liaison between external partners and CMU IO in the region, ensuring that all aspects of partnerships are communicated, facilitated, and supported by Innovation and Online. The Associate Director will provide the sole physical presence and support for day-to-day operations at the CMU Grand Rapids Center.

Responsibilities

Acts as a University steward by establishing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders to form partnerships related to educational and professional learning opportunities for adult learners.

Fosters and supports partner relationships by informing external stakeholders of their partnership status, opportunities for expansion, and outcomes of partnership agreements.

Develops strategic partnerships whilst demonstrating an authentic commitment to and understanding of the organization’s mission, values, and strategic imperatives/SMART goals.

Participates in a highly cross-collaborative environment in the development and implementation of partner agreements and programming that leads to measurable outcomes and impact.

Promotes educational pathways and workforce development opportunities for governmental, business, and community-based organizations.

Assists in preparing a comprehensive annual plan for regional outreach with an understanding of educational and workforce development needs specific to a region or industry.

Works collaboratively within a team to ensure that focus and outreach areas align with the strategic mission and objectives of CMU and Innovation and Online.

Aligns work efforts with established goals/targets for identifying and developing business and community partnerships within the Southwest Michigan region; this may include travel to and meeting with clients outside of the designated region as needed.

Researches, recommends, attends, and participates in appropriate regional and professional organizations or events to represent CMU and extend reach and awareness.

Engages university and stakeholder groups such as Alumni to supplement outreach efforts in the assigned region.

Utilizes internal systems to document and track engagement efforts, contacts, and the status of partnerships.

Provides on-site support of daily facility operations in coordination with the Executive Director of Business Operations.

Communicates site needs and/or facility issues to the Executive Director of Business Operations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

Two years of relevant experience in business development, sales, relationship building, education, human resources/training and development, or a related field.

Possession of a valid Driver’s License.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills including ability and comfortability with presenting.

Demonstrated ability to engage and skillfully influence a diverse clientele across a variety of industries.

Demonstrated ability to project professionalism and a polished business acumen.

Demonstrated ability to be results-oriented, follow through, prioritize, and manage multiple projects at various phases of their life cycle.

Ability to effectively understand and relay the needs of clientele.

Proven ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team, often times remotely.

Ability to travel locally/regionally as needed.

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.